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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2017.01.05APPROVED BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION January 5, 2017 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm by Commissioner Hunt. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Hunt, Kirchner, Hinckle and Kearney Absent: Commissioner Deason Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Disco and Recording Secretary Borba MINUTES Commissioner Hinckle asked to have the word "wooden" added to the plaque description of the Residential Sustainable Landscape Award. Commissioner Kearny made a motion to approve the amended December 1, 2016 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirchner and unanimously approved. CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Kearney received an email regarding the appeal at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue. Updated arborist report from Judith Day regarding the appeal at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue. PUBLIC COMMENT None NEW BUSINESS 1. Appeal of Private Tree Removal at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue Director Glomstad read the staff report regarding the approved removal of a Sequoia tree at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue. Commissioner Kearney asked if we have many Sequoia trees in Burlingame. Arborist Disco stated that there are not as they are not meant to be planted in residential areas. Public Comment Patty Bloom a resident of Burlingame has lived in the City since 1972. She stated she has heard a lot of tree issues and wants the property owners to get a fair shake. She commented that it is a big messy tree that has caused damage to the foundation, it is their property and their tree and they deserve respect. Linda Ryan a resident of Burlingame for 13 years stated she would like the decision to remove the Sequoia reconsidered. She explained that once a tree like this is removed it will never be seen again. She requested that a second or third opinion be obtained and that the property owners reconsider removing the tree. Shirin Coleman a resident of Burlingame for 20 years stated she is concerned about the way the City and the community take care of trees. She advocates for saving this tree. She commented that there is not proof that the roots have caused the damage to the foundation. Emily Cotchett stated she was here to speak on behalf of the Appellant Ani Safavi. She read a letter prepared by the Appellant. The Appellant stated in the letter that she hopes to save the beautiful Sequoia tree. Ms. Safavi has spoken to the property owner regarding saving the Sequoia on her property. Ms. Safavi encourages the City to look at all remedies to preserve the tree because it is structurally sound. She said the big trees bring beauty and calm to neighborhoods and under the City Ordinance they are protected. Liz Overheul Curry a resident of Burlingame for 16 years stated she realizes it is a really tough decision; she has seen some beautiful trees come down in Burlingame and sometimes understands why, but it is heartbreaking. Appellant — Ani Safavi had Emily Cotchett read a letter on her behalf. Respondent — Judith Day stated in 2013 they petitioned the City to remove the Sequoia tree. The City Arborist requested the excavation of the area to see if the roots were causing the damage to the patio. The excavation showed the roots were heading towards the house. The permit was denied because there was no damage to the foundation at that time. She said it is estimated that the tree was planted somewhere in the 1930's. A recent inspect of the foundation showed that the foundation is now cracked and buckling in places along with additional damage to the patio. The patio has three pillars on it to support a room above and if the roots grow any further they will damage the upper part of the house. Reports show that you can't cut the roots without compromising the stability of the tree. She said that they have looked at it from all ways and it was suggested that they could replace the foundation, but that is not a simple thing to do and it is cost prohibitive. There is no question the tree is beautiful but she said that she doesn't believe that a 104 year old heritage house should be sacrificed for a tree. Judith encouraged the Commission to support her and anyone else who comes before the Commission because until you have experienced it you will never understand it. She said that this tree will eventually destroy the house. Judith stated she hoped the Commission will deny the appeal and allow her to remove the tree. Commission Discussion Commissioner Kearney asked if water was getting in the house. The Respondent replied that the water is coming in underneath the mud sill. Commissioner Hinckle stated we are revisiting an issue from 2013 that has progressed and developed. Commissioner Kirchner commented that with the Planning Department we now have the ability to place trees in places so they will not have the same effect but 100 years ago when that tree was planted there was no thought to what the consequences would be. This huge tree is not a good neighbor. The decision is really difficult. The patio and fence can be repaired but the foundation damage is happening and it's not going to stop. Motion Commissioner Kearney made a motion to deny the appeal for the removal of the Sequoia tree at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue based on the damage the tree roots are causing to the patio and foundation and that the removal meets the requirements of chapter 11.06.050 of the Municipal Code. Commissioner Hinckle seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0. 2. El Camino Real Task Force Update Commissioner Kirchner Commissioner Kirchner explained the ECR task force had their introductory meeting with City Council members Emily Beach and Michael Brownrigg, a representative from Caltrans, City Arborist Bob Disco and City Manager Lisa Goldman. The next meeting will be a joint meeting with the technical group and our committee representing the community. OLD BUSINESS 1. 2017 Business Landscape Award Timeline Commissioners received an updated timeline. 2. Residential Sustainable Landscape Award Commissioners received a draft timeline for the Residential Sustainable Landscape Award. Commissioner Kirchner stated he will put together some pictures of what a sustainable landscape looks like for the next meeting. Arborist Disco spoke to Sigalle Michael, Sustainability Coordinator for the City and she will speak to the Commissioners about sustainability at the March meeting. REPORTS 1. Parks Superintendent/City Arborist The tree contract, Bay Area Tree Specialists is working on Easton Drive and will start trimming the Sycamores in the Gables area moving back to Broadway area soon. 2. Director Glomstad There is a tentative study session at the February 6th Council meeting regarding the ordinance. Mayor Ortiz would like to go over the ordinance and all the Commissioners are welcome to attend. 3. Commissioner Hunt Commissioner Hunt inquired about the tree trimming grid. 4. Commissioner Hinckle Commissioner Hinckle acknowledged and thanked Commissioner Kirchner for representing the Beautification Commission on the ECR task force. She also stated that she has communicated with Leslie McQuaide regarding the planting of a tree in her honor at the Arbor Day Celebration. 5. Commissioner Kirchner Commissioner Kirchner inquired about Dutch Elm Disease and the sign on ECR and Ray Drive. Arborist Disco stated in 1993 the UC Extension planted plots of varieties of Elm trees (15-20 trees) in Burlingame and Menlo Park to test the growth of Elms with regards to Dutch Elm Disease. The site was chosen because it had no irrigation, a lot of car pollution and poor soil. The site in Menlo Park had the opposite conditions and they wanted to track how different varieties of Elms grew. There are only 6 Elms left at the site in Burlingame. Commissioner Kirchner also stated he attended the Tree Lighting event and enjoyed it. 6. Commissioner Kearney Commissioner Kearney attended the Tree Lighting and commented it grows every year. 7. Commissioner Deason None The next Beautification Commission meeting is February 2, 2017. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm. Respectfully submitted, Gina Borba Recording Secretary